The laboratories of the UTM Faculty of Energetics and Electrical Engineering (FEIE) have received a significant upgrade in equipment, thanks to a generous $350,000 USD donation. This contribution is part of the “Addressing the Energy Crisis in the Republic of Moldova” project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova (UNDP Moldova), with support from the European Union.
The collaboration with UNDP Moldova has allowed the FEIE-UTM laboratories to be outfitted with equipment unique to Moldova, specifically designed to train engineers in the energy sector with a focus on thermal energy. These modern tools offer students the opportunity to develop practical skills in key areas, including the production of thermal and electrical energy from conventional sources such as thermal power plants and cogeneration plants with steam and gas turbines, as well as from renewable sources like solar thermal power plants with solar concentrators and heat pumps. Additionally, the equipment supports the study of thermal energy utilization and the analysis of solid fuel characteristics.
UTM Rector, Prof. Viorel BOSTAN, expressed his gratitude for this generous gesture, stating that this donation represents not only a financial investment but also a strong commitment to advancing the energy sector and education in thermal energy in Moldova. “This modern laboratory infrastructure, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, will enable students to hone their practical skills in the thermal energy field. The state-of-the-art equipment will greatly enhance the quality of our programs and make the energy sector more attractive to young people.”
The Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Moldova, Janis MAŽEIKS, acknowledged the crucial role of this equipment in the country’s energy sector, underscoring its potential to improve the quality of education across Moldovan universities.
Energy Minister Victor PARLICOV highlighted the importance of nurturing research endeavors within universities, stressing the essential contribution that up-to-date equipment makes in supporting these efforts.
Andrea CUZYOVA, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Moldova, noted that the program aimed at equipping the laboratories was launched in response to Moldova’s energy crisis, with the goal of preparing specialists in the field.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Constantin BOROSAN, congratulated UTM and FEIE on this project and expressed gratitude to the EU for its support.
Equipping the laboratories of FEIE with modern equipment marks a major step towards aligning with current industry standards and educating engineers in this domain. Dr. Dumitru BRAGA, Dean of FEIE, mentioned the exceptional nature of this donation, emphasizing that upgrading the laboratory infrastructure isn’t merely a technical upgrade but a pivotal move in preparing specialists for the challenges and opportunities of the energy sector.
The modern equipment donated will provide training for more than 500 students enrolled in undergraduate and master’s programs, along with specialists undergoing training in the Industrial Energy Audit course. This initiative is expected to substantially enhance the quality of specialist education and foster the sustainable and competitive development of Moldova’s energy sector at the international level.
